Dual occupancy rules in Greater Geelong

Building a dual occupancy in Greater Geelong? City of Greater Geelong applies the Victoria planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.

Depends on your lot

Allowed in residential zones with a planning permit, subject to garden area and ResCode

Usually yes, with a planning permit. Victoria sets no statewide minimum lot size for a second dwelling, but the mandatory minimum garden area and the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code standards mean most successful dual occupancies sit on lots of roughly 500 m² or more.

Greater Geelong: assessed by City of Greater Geelong under the Victoria rules below.

Approval pathway: A planning permit is always required to construct a second dwelling on a lot in the General Residential, Neighbourhood Residential, Residential Growth, Township, Mixed Use and Housing Choice and Transport zones. Since Amendment VC288 took effect on 16 October 2025, an application for two dwellings on a lot outside the Low Density Residential Zone that meets every deemed-to-comply standard can go through VicSmart - a 10 business day decision with no public notice and no third party appeal rights. Anything relying on council discretion goes through the standard advertised permit process.

Key rules at a glance

Minimum lot size	No statewide minimum. Practically around 500-600 m² to fit two dwellings and still meet garden area (indicative - driven by garden area, setbacks and open space rather than a mapped number).
Minimum garden area	Mandatory in the Neighbourhood, General and Residential Growth zones: 25 percent for lots 400-500 m², 30 percent for 501-650 m², 35 percent above 650 m². Lots of 400 m² or less are exempt.
Assessment code	Clause 55, now the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code, which introduced deemed-to-comply standards on 31 March 2025 under Amendment VC267.
Approval pathway	Planning permit always required. VicSmart 10 business day pathway if all deemed-to-comply standards are met, otherwise a standard advertised application.
Maximum height	Mandatory 11 m and 3 storeys in the General Residential Zone; 9 m and 2 storeys in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (indicative - zone schedules vary).
Can it be subdivided or strata titled?	Yes, through a separate two-lot subdivision permit. Since 16 October 2025 an eligible two-lot subdivision can also use the 10 business day VicSmart pathway. A public open space contribution is normally payable.
Typical timeframe	10 business days under VicSmart; commonly 4-8 months for a standard advertised application.

Overlays can change your eligibility

Heritage, flood and bushfire controls on your specific lot can remove the fast-track and require a full application — even when the general rules say you're fine.

HeritageFloodBushfireEnvironmental

Check your address for overlays →

Dual occupancys in Greater Geelong

City of Greater Geelong is the authority for Greater Geelong in Geelong. The statewide Victoria rules above set the baseline; the council can apply extra local controls, and heritage, flood or bushfire overlays on your lot can change what's allowed.

Visit City of Greater Geelong ↗ Full Victoria rules →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval for a dual occupancy in Greater Geelong?

Usually yes. In Victoria, a dual occupancy generally needs an application, and City of Greater Geelong is the authority that assesses it. See the full state rules for the pathway and what's required.

Which council approves a dual occupancy in Greater Geelong?

City of Greater Geelong is the consent authority for Greater Geelong (Geelong). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.

What is the minimum land size for a dual occupancy in Victoria?

There is no statewide minimum. What binds is the mandatory garden area - 25 to 35 percent on lots over 400 m² - plus setbacks, private open space and car parking under the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code. In practice most dual occupancies are built on lots of about 500 m² and up, although well-designed schemes do succeed on smaller lots in the General Residential and Residential Growth zones.

Sources

Last reviewed: July 2026. Rules can change — verify with your council before starting work.

Related building rules

General guidance only — not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Greater Geelong can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with City of Greater Geelong before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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